A gastro pub in Stoke Row run by T’Pau singer Carol Decker and her husband has closed without warning after struggling financially.

The Cherry Tree Inn ceased trading on Christmas Day with pub owner Brakspear in Henley confirming “a tough trading environment” had been blamed for the closure.

Brakspear insisted it has a number of interested parties ready to take over the pub which dates back to the 17th Century and it could re-open in weeks.

A source in the pub trade said: “It’s a real shame. It used to be a brilliant pub but they had decided to make it more of a restaurant and it didn’t seem welcoming because you couldn’t just have a pint. It wasn’t a pub any more.”

Ms Decker had run the pub with her husband and former executive chef Richard Coates since 2004. It was the only pub in Henley to be featured in the respected Harden’s Guide and received rave reviews in national newspaper food and travel supplements along with AA and Michelin Guides.

David Nathan, finance director for Brakspear, said: “The leasee decided enough was enough and gave their keys and we have taken back the pub.

“They just said it was down to a tough trading environment. We leave the tenant to run the business and I have not see the accounts and therefore I am not able to comment on them.

“It is a wonderful pub and we very much hope it will open again soon.

“We have four or five interested parties and it is just a case of agreeing a deal to get someone in there. It could be a matter of weeks”